1 Franciscan Way

The Sisters pray the peace and joy of the Risen Lord fills your heart to overflowing today.  We pass on to you today the words of our Holy Father Francis.  To sum up his words, he invites us to experience the newness of life, to remember what God has done for us and to allow God to surprise us each day!  We invite you to be attentive these days of Easter and ask Jesus to surprise you.  Let His love transform you and be not afraid.  Following are a few quotes from Pope Francis’ homily and a link to the full text .  “Let the risen Jesus enter your life, welcome him as a friend, with trust: he is life! If up till now you have kept him at a distance, step forward. He will receive you with open arms. If you have been indifferent, take a risk: you won’t be disappointed. If following him seems difficult, don’t be afraid, trust him, be confident that he is close to you, he is with you and he will give you the peace you are looking for and the strength t...

Where were you yesterday when you heard the news of the white smoke?  I was waiting at a gate in the airport.  You will remember that for a life time.  God's providence allowed me to see the whole thing at the airport - from the white smoke to waiting for an hour to reading (no sound from the TV) the words "Habemus Papam!" before boarding a plane right after Pope Francis gave us his first blessing.  It was an exciting moment waiting in the airport.  It was a moment of pride to be Catholic, of joy in anticipating the news!  It was incredible to witness the crowd at St. Peter's and to know that millions were watching and waiting around the world.  Now we have a Papa again!  We Franciscans are joyful too with his choice of name! May our Holy Father Francis intercede from heaven for our Holy Father Francis on earth. Today Pope Francis shares with us about the journey and the Cross in his first homily .  Let us remain in prayer asking the Holy S...

May the Lord give you peace!  This is Sister Teresa Maria sharing a little about my time on mission at Mater Dei Convent in Wildwood, MO.  Our Sisters in Wildwood serve at St. Alban Roe elementary school.  While our three Sisters who are stationed there have their own classes, I had the opportunity to help all over the school.  I had outside duties each day and spent time with students from each classroom (Pre-K-8th) during my six months.  I would give religion lessons, help students with homework, sit at the front desk, and often answer curiosities about religious life and the difference between myself and the other Sisters.  I encountered many puzzled faces when I arrived in a white  veil. Even though I was not physically in our Province's Novitiate, my time on mission was a very natural continuation of my initial formation.  Although none of the Sisters I was living with were my Novice Director, they have had a role in my formation.  It...